Servite’s Sprague Makes Himself Heard

When talking to Jim Sprague, you tend to listen to every word he says.

He’s knowledgeable, articulate and loves to talk about the youth of America.

And given his credentials--24 years as a teacher at Sunny Hills High and the past eight at Servite, where he also is the water polo coach--Sprague could be considered an expert.

“Kids today, they don’t bother to listen,” Sprague said. “Like today, we had to start a drill four times because they don’t listen. I keep asking myself, ‘How much did they pick up today?’

“It must be that MTV attention span.”

Sprague said drawing attention is difficult, even with the use of visuals.

“I’m one of those who believe video is a useful tool so I record every game we play,” he said. “But when I run the videos, they don’t even watch that either.”

Sprague said his complaint is not confined to his players but also extends to his classroom. But he said he loves teaching math at Servite and coaching water polo.

The Friars are the defending Southern Section Division II champions and are seeded No. 1 in the playoffs. Winners of the Serra League title, they host wild-card winner Sonora in a first-round game at 3:15 p.m. today.

“My kids have an attitude--maybe it’s because Servite is an all-boys school--but it’s a macho thing,” Sprague said. “They have no doubt that they’re going to go all the way and win another title. To them, winning is the only thing, but that’s what I don’t want them to think.”

Although proud of his players and the team’s success, Sprague feels they somehow are not coming away with the most important lesson.

Another title?

“Not at all. I’m not even thinking about that,” Sprague said. “For me, it’s improvement in the sport that’s important. If a player is not becoming the best player he can be, for himself and his team, then it’s not a success.”

But Servite is a success in the pool. With a 21-5 record, the Friars are ranked sixth in the county and first in the section’s Division II poll. Sprague credits the defense.

“Defense dictates what will happen in a game,” he said. “Our defense is such that we can counter whatever is done. For most teams, they’ll work 10 minutes on defense. We spend 90% of our practice working on defense.”

CARLSON RETURNS

About this time last year, Coach Dave Carlson was preparing Marina for the playoffs.

This season, Carlson is returning to the playoffs but with a different team.

Carlson took the job at Los Alamitos after Tony Martinho left to coach at Long Beach Wilson.

“I had a totally different system coming in here,” Carlson said. “It took the kids a little time to get used to it, but they’re starting to come together.”

Los Alamitos is seeded third in the Division II playoffs after winning the Sunset League championship. The Griffins will play Cypress in a first-round game today at the Armed Services Reserve Center in Los Alamitos.

Marina, meanwhile, stumbled this year and missed the playoffs. Last year, Servite beat the Vikings for the division title.

At Long Beach Wilson, the Bruins are looking to win their third consecutive Division I title.

“Everything is going great,” said Martinho, who led Los Alamitos to the quarterfinals last season.

Foothill, ranked third in the county and seventh in the Southern Section polls, will play the Bruins in a second-round game on Tuesday. Wilson defeated Encino Crespi, 22-1, on Thursday.

DIVISION II DEBUT

Corona del Mar makes its debut in the Division II playoffs this year.

The Sea Kings were moved from the Sea View League to the Pacific Coast League during the summer and dropped from Division I to Division II.

Corona del Mar won its league title and is seeded second behind Servite. The Sea Kings host Long Beach Millikan in a first-round game today at 3:15 p.m.

If you have an item or idea for the boys’ water polo report, you can fax us at (714) 966-5663 or e-mail us at erik.hamilton@latimes.com